‘No relaxation in visa rules for Indian workers, students’: British PM Starmer lands in India for 2-day official visit

The visit aims to further strengthen ties between India and the UK. PM Modi will meet Starmer in Mumbai on October 9 to discuss the development of the partnership under 'Vision 2030'.

Earlier, PM Modi visited Britain in August this year, where he signed a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with Starmer.

The agreement aims to double bilateral trade to $120 billion by 2030. The FTA will make it easier to sell Indian products such as textiles, leather, and agricultural products in Britain. British whiskey and cars will also benefit in India.

According to media reports, Starmer is expected to attend a football event at the Cooperage Ground today, as well as visit Yash Raj Studios and meet several prominent industrialists.

After this, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar is expected to meet him in the evening.

Starmer's India visit will focus on issues like-:

1.    Trade and Investment: The two countries recently signed a major trade agreement (CETA). This will be discussed to further expand trade, leading to increased shops, businesses, and jobs.

2.    Technology and Innovation: The two countries will work together in areas such as fintech (digital money transactions), artificial intelligence (AI), quantum computing (new types of superfast computers) and cybersecurity (online security).

3.    Defence and Security: There will be a discussion on preventing terrorism, monitoring Khalistani activities and catching economic criminals.

4.    Climate, Energy, Health, Education and Mutual Relations: Both countries will also focus on protecting the environment, clean energy, better healthcare, education and enhancing friendship between people.

Starmer said, 'This is Britain's biggest trade mission'

Before landing in Mumbai, Starmer uniquely welcomed the delegation. He personally entered the cockpit and announced, "This is your Prime Minister speaking. This is no ordinary flight, but Britain's largest trade mission ever, organised to strengthen new trade ties with India."

"Welcome all aboard this flight. We look forward to exploring all the possibilities under the new free trade agreement (FTA)," Starmer said, sharing a video of the moment on Instagram.

Starmer and Modi will attend the Global Fintech Fest 2025 in Mumbai, the world's largest fintech event, which will run from October 7 to 9.

Its agenda is to strengthen AI-driven finance. It will discuss how to make financial technology more inclusive, faster, and robust. Several global leaders, regulators, and innovators will participate. New opportunities for fintech companies will be explored.

It is expected to attract over 100,000 participants from over 75 countries, making it one of the largest fintech gatherings in the world. The event will feature approximately 7,500 companies, 800 speakers, 400 exhibitors, and 70 regulators representing both Indian and international jurisdictions.

Keir Starmer will travel to Bengaluru, India's technology hub, where he will discuss investment and technology.

They aim to accelerate the India-UK Technology Security Initiative (TSI). This includes sectors such as AI, quantum computing, and biotech. Following the FTA, there will be a special focus on increasing investment.

Technology Security Initiative (TSI): India and the UK recently launched a program called TSI. It will collaborate in areas such as artificial intelligence (AI), quantum computing, biotechnology, and semiconductors. Starmer will meet with tech companies and startups in Bengaluru to discuss plans to accelerate this program.

·         Investment Boost Plan: Starmer will encourage British companies to invest more in India, particularly in the technology and manufacturing sectors. This will create new jobs in India and benefit the economy.

·         Support for startups: In Bengaluru, Starmer will speak with startups, encouraging them to set up businesses in the UK and exploring new opportunities for collaboration.